Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Dawn at dawnarne@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi in Cherokee, N.C. Good fun, great prizes, great benefit.
- Nov. 8 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Dora Reed and Big Cove Head Start holidays and trip
- Nov. 15 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for travel expenses for family of Sharri Panther
EBCI Community Events
Compassion Week. Nov. 3-9 at 7 p.m. nightly at New Song at 3548 Wolfetown Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Monday – Pastor Mike Youngblood, Tuesday – Pastor Tim Dove, Wednesday – Pastor Kelsey Moore, Thursday – Pastor Tim Melton, Friday, Evangelist Jonas Henderson, Saturday – Pastor Anita Ayers, Sunday – Apostle Eric Moore. Food provided. Free and open to the public. Info: (828) 507-7392, newsongcherokee@gmail.com
Breaking Bread, Building Wealth Information Session. Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Enjoy a good meal and learn more about the financial wellness program of Uwena – seven principles for financial wellness. Everyone attending will receive a free gift and a financial wellness workbook. Info: siyo@uwena.org or visit www.uwena.org
Big Y Veteran’s Day Breakfast. Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. at Big Y Gym 2641 Wrights Creek Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28179
Books on the Boundary: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (Blackfeet Nation) Museum of the Cherokee People Store, November 12, 5:30pm. Books on the Boundary: A Museum of the Cherokee People Reading Circle gathers to discuss The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by master of horror Stephen Graham Jones (Blackfeet Nation).
Corn Husk Doll Workshop with Laura Walkingstick (EBCI) Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio, November 14, 3pm. Make your own corn husk doll with step-by-step instructions. All materials and doll stand included in $50 registration fee. Open to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. Register here: bit.ly/4hFh9vf
Gather & Give Market. Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building in Cherokee, N.C. Lots of vendors with Tupperware, Shaklee, handmade baskets, ribbon skirts, jewelry, beadwork, and more. Contact Angie Garcia for tables (828) 778-4585
2026 Softball Tryouts. Nov. 15 at Fairview Baseball Fields 264 Fairview Rd., Sylva, NC. 28779. Starting at 11 a.m. For more information call Sam Wolfe (828)736-7380 or Stehpanie Ashe (828) 508-6292
Mother’s Gathering. Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.at Cherokee Choices Conference Room 810 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Looking for Mom’s support group? Interested in connecting with a doula? Topic: Baby Wearing. Dinner, support and knowledge sharing. Contact: Kristina_hyatt@centerfornativehealth.org
Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health Symposium. Nov. 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harrahs Cherokee Casino 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Follow link to register https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/yP4LkjLAHB
MANNA Foodbank Nov. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Wolftown Gym 27 Long Branch Rd. Cherokee, N.C. Free grocery staples, produce and other perishables. For more information contact Megan Stamper (828) 359-6934.
Turkey Strut 5K. Nov. 22 at Kituwah. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Race begins at 12 p.m. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. $15 early sign-up. Price increases to $20 after Nov. 2. To register online, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/BrysonCity/Cherokee5KTurkeyStrut Info: Yolanda Saunooke (828) 359-6784 or yolasaun@ebci-nsn.gov
Big Y Turkey Bingo. Nov. 22 starting 5:30 p.m. at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719
Tsalagi Aniwonisgi Didanvdadisdi (Cherokee Speakers Memorial Day) event. Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Kalvgviditsa Tsalagi Aniwonisgi Tsunatsohisdihi (Cherokee Speakers Place) in Cherokee, N.C. This ceremony will honor the lives of the first language Cherokee speakers who passed in 2025. There will be remarks, flag presentation, and a Memorial bell ringing. Refreshments will be served after the event. Info: Kayla Pheasant (828) 359-6404, kaylphea@ebci-nsn.gov, or Scarlett guy a scarguy@ebci-nsn.go
Gadugi Fest. Nov. 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Yellowhill Activity Center 1416 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719 Presented by the EBCI Community and RezHope.
Big Y Thanksgiving Dinner. Nov. 27 starting at 12 p.m. at Big Y Gym 2641 Wrights Creek Rd, Cherokee. NC. 28719. Bring a side dish or dessert. All are welcome, come join us.
Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Indian dinners starting at 11am $15. Sponsored by NAIWA, for tables contact Lucille Wolfe at (828)736-5285
Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room, December 7, 3pm. Storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) offers an accessible lecture on Cherokee history. Topics vary monthly.
Tsalagi Magical Christmas Parade. Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., Downtown Cherokee, Cherokee, NC. 28719. For more information contact the Cherokee Welcome Center (828)359-6491 or email chriswatt@ebci-nsn.gov
Cherokee Cultural/Historic Events
Cornshusk Christmas Tree Topper Workshop. Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Qualla Boundary Public Library 810 Acquoni Rd Cherokee, N.C. Learn to make heirloom cornhusk dolls. For Adults. $60 cost. Limited to 20 participants. Contact Laura Walkingstick (828)707-6122 or email Rezdogartstudio@gmail.com
Cornshusk Christmas Tree Topper Workshop. Nov. 22 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Casa Kawi Coffee Shop at 1655 Acquoni Rd Cherokee, N.C. Learn to make heirloom cornhusk dolls. For Adults. $60 cost. Limited to 20 participants. Contact Laura Walkingstick (828)707-6122 or email Rezdogartstudio@gmail.com
Quallatown Makers. Will update as new dates are provided. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all artforms are welcome. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks. Can follow the group on Facebook.
EBCI Community Regular Meetings
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIWA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Meetings
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Work session on Tabled Ord. No. 11 (Underground storage tanks). Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.
Work session on Tabled Ord. No. 13 (Deer hunting season). Nov. 10 at 10 a.m.
Work session on Tabled Ord. Nos. 12 and 14 (Unlawful searches by game wardens and fishing laws). Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.
Lands Committee. Nov. 13 at 9 a.m.
Parks & Rec. Committee. Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.
Roads Commission. Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
Work session on Tabled Res. No. 10 (Noquisi Initiative). Nov. 19 at 9 a.m.
Work session on Tabled Ord. No. 6 (Ordinance amending Judicial Code). Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 17 (TERO Certification). Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Confirmation Hearing for Tagan Crowe to the Qualla Enterprises, LLC Board of Directors. Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 39 (Establishment of a Fire and Rescue Commission). Nov. 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Pow Wow Listings
Celebration of Existence Pow Wow. Nov. 8 at the University of Northern Colorado Campus Recreation Center in Greeley, Colo. MC: Sid Whiting Jr. Host Northern Drum: Drifting Bull. Host Southern Drum: Cozad Jrs. Info: Evelyn Jones at nativeamericanstudentservices@unco.edu
Pow Wow Honoring David H. Russell. Nov. 8 at Olmos Basin Park in San Antonio, Texas. MC: Amy Taulman. Head Singer: Shawn Ray. Info: Marvin “Mo” Park (713) 553-0837, garywjones11@gmail.com
San Carlos Apache Tribe Veteran’s Pow Wow. Nov. 8-9 at San Carlos High School in Peridot, Ariz. MC: Chris Dinehdeal. Host Northern Drum: Yellow Creek. Host Southern Drum: Black Storm Crossing. Info: Kodee Goseyun (928) 475-1794, kodee.goseyun@scat-nsn.gov
5th Annual Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow. Nov. 15 at Greenwood Laboratory School at MSU in Springfield, Mo. MC: Shannon Leroy. Host Drum: Drowning Creek. Info: American Indian Center of Springfield (417) 880-1570, info@aicspringfield.org
Carolina Good Medicine Pow Wow. Nov. 21-23 at Camp Ho Non Wah in Wadmalaw Island, S.C. MC: Chris Bryant. Head Southern Singer: Homer Dearmin. Info: James Barton (843) 557-7038, chairmain@carolinagoodmedicine.org
Poarch Creek Indians 53rd Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow, Nov. 27 – 28, 6477 Jack Spring Rd., Atmore, Al. 36502.Emcee: Marty Thurman A.D: Daniel Tramper Host Northern Drum: Blackstone Host Southern Drum: Southern Thunder Host Local Drum: Medicine Tail. Info: eventstaff@pci-nsn.gov or (251)368-9136 ext 2052.
Pechanga Pow Wow, Jan. 9-11, 2026, Pechanga Resort Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temacula, CA. 92592. Emcees: Bart Powaukee, Howie Thomson. Invited Drums: Eyabay, Ho Chunk Station, Leading Arrow, Meskwaki Nation, Omaha Whitetail, Sizzortail, Whitefish Jr., Wild Rose. Info: powwow@pechanga.com or call 888-PECHANGA
Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, Jan. 30 – 31, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl. 33314. Emcees: Juaquin Hamilton, Ruben Little Head. Pow wow Info: Eugenia Osceola (954) 594-2992 or Rochelle Osceola (954) 805-1623.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
Western N.C. and Beyond Events
Forge After Dark event. Nov. 7-8 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C. Blacksmithing showcase, live auction of handcrafted works, two live music performances (Appalachian Son, Clover-Lynn), and more. Info: www.folkschool.org/100
Water Color Wednesdays. Nov. 8 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 19 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. Capture the beauty of fall through watercolor painting with Red Clay rangers! articipants will embark on a short walk and be given time to explore the world around them through art. Watercolors, brushes, paper, and clipboards will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies, as well. You MUST sign up in advance to participate. Call (423) 889-3249
Thomas Memorial Cemetery Clean-up Day. Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the cemetery located on Shaol Creek Church Loop in Whittier, N.C. What to bring: gloves, rakes, small tools, weedeaters, chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Info: thomasmemorialcemetery@gmail.com
Denise Cline presents her debut novel:The Resettlement of Vesta Blonik. Nov. 8 at 3 p.m.at City Lights Bookstore 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, NC. 28779. Set during the Great Depression, The Resettlement of Vesta Blonik is the story of two strong-hearted strangers, bent but not destroyed by grief and financial destitution. Vesta Blonik, an unmarried farm woman from Minnesota and Gordon Crenshaw, confined to a North Carolina mental institution after the death of his wife and child, meet through misleading letters written by Gordon’s family members. But reality doesn’t look at all like what was promised, and when they learn the truth, the two must find a path forward, together or apart. Info: (828) 586-9499
Nowbillies. Nov 10 at 7 p.m. at the Keith House Community Room at John C. Campbell Folk School, 1 Folk School Rd., Brasstown, NC. 28902. The Nowbillies is a band centered around retired psychologist Dave Peters and his wife Elizabeth. The musical group is based out of the Brasstown, North Carolina, area and is known for its original songs that feature humorous and ironic themes.
Swain County Democratic Party meeting. Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the United Community Bank at 145 Slope St. in Bryson City, N.C. Discussion will include community events, candidate support, and planning future activities. All are welcome. Info: (828) 341-6348, SwainCountyDems@gmail.com
Duke/ Indigipopx. Nov. 14 – 16. At the Penn Pavilion, Nasher Museum of Art and Duke University Libraries, Durham, N.C. Guests: Roy Boney, Arigon Starr, Tiio Horn, Dale Deforest, Weyodi Oldbear and more. IndigiPop X – The Original Native Pop Culture Festival
Holiday Art Market. Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the SCC Swain Center at 60 Almond School Rd. in Bryson City, N.C. Art, crafts, food, and demonstrations. This is sponsored by the SCC Ceramic Arts Club.
Holiday Handcrafters Fair. Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN, 37882. Local artisans, handmade treasures, and the sounds and scents of an old-fashioned Smoky Mountain Christmas. Contact Terence Norman (423)355-8575.
Poetry reading with Kathryn Kirkpatrick and Annie Woodford. Nov. 15th at 3:00pm at City Lights Bookstore 3 E Jackson St., Sylva, NC. 28779. They will read from their latest poetry collections, Creature and Peasant. Information call (828) 586-9499.
Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo. Nov. 15 to Feb. 17 at The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina. Days in the gardens and on the trails. Evenings in the garden at Winer lights Nov. 15 – Jan. 3 Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind. For more information please visit ncarboretum.org
Qualla Community Club Christmas Bazaar. Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 180 Shoal Creek Church Loop in Whittier, N.C. Crafts, textiles, woodworking, pottery, candles, glass, jewelry, décor, metal, etc. Spots are available for vendors. Message Qualla Community Club on Facebook for more information.
Lunch and Learn: Navigating Menopause. Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Easton Board Room Harris Regional Hospital. The session, led by Anne Karner, CNM with Harris Women’s Care, will focus on navigating menopause: what it is, the changes it brings, and ways to manage both the physical and emotional aspects of this natural stage in a woman’s life.
Day After Thanksgiving Hike. Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. FREE, meet at the Visitor Center. Skip the stores and get outdoors! Join us for a tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds this Black Friday. Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee at Red Clay in the 1830s while viewing our replica structures, the Eternal Flame Memorial, and the Blue Hole Spring. Call(423) 478-0339 to register for the event.
Asheville Anime Fest. Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Haywood park Hotel One Battery Park Ace., Asheville, NC. 2880. Asheville Anime-Fest is an anime collectors’ mecca convention located in the beautiful City of Asheville, North Carolina. Striving to be North Carolina’s best and truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of anime, manga and pop culture items the promoter brings North Carolina an event that will satisfy all anime fandom! Information: www.ashevilleanimefest.com
Christmas at Red Clay. Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. There will be 4 tours to sign up for. Come enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds, led by a living history guide from the 19th century. Learn about the Cherokees’ activities during the harsh winter months and the missionaries’ impacts on Cherokee life. Call (423) 889-3249 to register.